October 13, 1988, Portland Observer, Page 3
COMMUNITY FORUM
Perspectives
Urban League: Financial
Or Human Deficit
things he needed know first. I told
him, “ The problem has been
around
for sometime. In the early
ne of the young Black stu­
1970’s I designed a ‘Non-Profit
dents I tutor (high school
age) engaged me in the following Corporation Course’ for the Busi­
ness Department at Portland
conversation. “ My Social Studies
State
University. Years earlier,
class has been reading about the
during
my audit of the Albina Cor­
problems of the Urban League,
poration (Portland's multi-million
and hearing about the problems
dollar poverty program), I dis­
at other community organiza­
covered that a principal problem
tions." (from parents). “ This week
was an untrained and naive board
our teacher let us spend the en­
of directors, that would approve
tire period in a round robin
any act of a charismatic manage­
discussion of these issues, I am
ment. Interestingly — and after
really disturbed.”
the
fact — the principal funding
Well, I am disturbed too. Not
agency, the Office of Economic
that I haven’t been aware of many
Opportunity, went on a nation­
of these problems — along with a
wide mission to train community
number of readers. What we have
people for the role of a director in
here is a recurrent theme of
these organizations.
economic debacles that have per­
Equally as interesting was the
sisted for over twenty years. I am
fact
that on recommendation of
very concerned about the im-
the
Dean
of the School of Busi­
age/role models we set for this
ness, Dr. Parker, scores of white
younger generation — we are
students employed by nonprofit
already losing so many of our
in s titu tio n s enrolled in my
talented youth to other cities. As
class
— for ‘Urban Studies’ credit.
we shall see they are not buying
The whites outnumbered the
the standard alibis still forthcom­
Blacks by a ratio of 25 to 1. In
ing from the Black establishment
fact,
the all white faculty of the
(Believe it or not we are still hear­
Business
Department, alarmed by
ing, “ Designed to Fail” ).
the
loss
of
so much student ‘head
My student told me that during
count’, successfully demanded
the heated discussion one of the
that the class be structured into
whites really went off, “ ‘You Peo­
their department, where it remain­
ple’ have no excuse, every time
ed for many years.
you look at T.V. or in the
Perhaps I should tell my stu­
newspaper, you see some Black
dent that there really isn’t any ex­
with all these degrees and alleged
cuse. After all there are several
levels of expertise, and they are
well known Nonprofit Foundation
on the board of directors of this,
Centers in the country, which
that and the other organization.
have proven expertiste in the
When the bottom falls out for
training of personnel and board
such stupid reasons, I think about
members. One wonders just what
a game of musical chairs played by
is taught at the locally sponsored
a bunch of clowns.” “ That’s cold,
seminars and retreats; especially
isn’t it?” My student said, “ but my
when you encounter people who
father (a non-professional) says
have never heard of a voucher
the very same thing in so many
system of accounting, or who have
words,” Also, the young man
no idea of their legal respon­
realized that obviously the Urban
sibilities
or liabilities. Then too,
League dilemma was a prime
you
might
wonder why the Nation­
topic in as many white homes as
al
Offices
of these programs
Black, if not more. And in cor­
would not employ skilled trouble­
porate offices and board rooms.
shooting teams for dispatch where
The youngster was greatly embar­
needed? What would you tell my
rassed.
young
student about the future
I knew he was seeking some
ammunition for the next class­ here— Get out of town on the
next stage?
room debate. But there were
by Professor McKinley Burt
O
The Other Side
Feel The Power...
Register To Vote!
needs and that child died. Believe
it or not, those decisions were
based on politics. Politics also
n Nov. 8, 1988, it will be an
determines
who eats and who
important time in all of our
doesn’t.
Whether
children get the
lives. We will be voting for Presi­
proper
nutrition,
whether the
dent, Vice President, we will be
household
gets
food
stamps or
voting for State Representatives, a
not,
these
decisions
are
all based
Mayor, and voting for many other
on
politics.
How
many
pollutants
officials that will be affecting our
are allowed in the air is based on
lives. The Black community must
politics. How much water is avail­
exercise its influence by voting,
able for irrigation for farmers is
thereby assuring that we have an
based on politics. Whether one
opportunity to participate and set
community gets new sidewalks
the rules that governs our lives.
or not is based on politics.
The rules of politics decides
It is time that we recognize that
some very basic principles: who
politics
is a way of life. It may not
lives, who dies. As we have seen
give
life,
but it most definitely can
in many cases regarding children
take
it.
It
is important that we
and the lack of funds to take care
stand
up
and
make sure that
of their medical conditions, and
everyone
in
our
community who
the lack of funds to take care of
is
old
enough
to
vote
is registered
their medical conditions, there
and
after
they
register
make sure
are governmental agencies that
that
they
get
out
and
vote.
If we
decide who would live and who
are
not
a
part
of
the
solution,
then
would die. Some children paid
we
will
definitely
be
a
part
of
the
some very high prices this past
problem. We don’t have any right
year because there was no one to
to complain if we refuse to vote.
speak on their behalf to ensure
Whether we vote for Margaret
that they had sufficient funds to
Carter, Bud Clark, Dukakis or
take care of their medical condi­
whomever, we must register and
tions. Human Resources decided
vote. The time is now, We must
that the funds were not available
decide. Vote November 8,1988.
to take care of a child's medical
by Harold C. Williams
O
Blacks In Government:
Columbia River Chapter
Commissioner’s Forum Luncheon
eatured speaker at Commissioner
Dick Bogle's Forum Luncheon at
Noon on Tuesday, Oct. 18 will be Ronnie
Herndon, director of child development
for the Albina Ministerial Alliance and co-
chair of the Black United Front.
Herndon has chosen as his topic,
“ Partners for Success: Education and
Business.”
This month’s Forum Luncheon is being
Dick Bogle
held a i the Ramada Inn at the Coliseum, 10 N. Weidler, due to a
conflict with the police chief’s convention. The monthly luncheon is
scheduled to return to the Coliseum Red Lion Inn in November.
The Commissioner’s Forum Luncheon was started by Charles
Jordan during his tenure at City Hall. When Bogle was elected to
succeed Jordan in 1984, he carried on the tradition.
The luncheons serve as a sounding board for Black issues and
concerns, as well as an information pipeline between City Hall and
the Black community.
Person wishing to make reservations should call Commissioner
Bogle’s office, 248-4682, by Friday, Oct. 14. Cost of the
luncheon is $7.75.
F
A Response...
Dancing
he Columbia River Chapter of
M odeling_______________ _____
Blacks In Government (BIG),
Si ng i ng-------------------------------- —-
cordially invites you to participate Other ______________________
in a fundraising benefit Oct. 29, at
S ig n a tu re :__________________-
the Portland Air National Guard
RSVP by October 16, 1988
(PANG) Club, from 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Your volunteer efforts will pro­
Your volunteer efforts will help
vide exposure to a diverse and
provide students in need of finan­
professional audience. Send your
cial assistance. Our theme is
area of interest to BIG, P.O. Box
from the National Conference
5104, Portland, Oregon 97208.
held in Washington, D.C., “ Mak­
Complimentary tickets will be
ing A difference, A Right and A
mailed for you and one guest, as a
Responsibility.’ ’
gesture of appreciation. Thank
You for helping BIG “ Make A Dif­
Please help in volunteering
ference,” by helping the Saturday
your time, by checking one area
School and the Albina Youth Op­
of expertise. Please call 282-1956
portunity, achieve success.
for additional information, be-
BIG is a non-profit organization
tween 6 - 9 p.m.
encom passing the P ortland
I W ILL PARTICIPATE BY
Metropolitan Area and Willamette
VOLUNTEERING IN:
Valley. Its purpose is to provide a
vehicle for employees and re­
tirees of federal, state, and local
governments, discuss unique pro­
blems affecting them as a minori­
ty; select strategies to resolve
problems, and capture oppor­
tunities
which include the follow­
believe is a valid message to all
ing:
A)
Act
as a advocate for equi­
brothers and sisters. They've
ty and equality of opportunity; B)
learned to sacrifice, take knocks
Raise issues related to the well
and bruises, truly representative
being of others; C) Advocate
of our struggle as Black people.
changes within the government
As the Portland Publicity Coor­
which will assure equal oppor­
dinator for this event, I also felt
tunities; D) Establish an effective
the licks from the past article writ­
communication network which
ten by Garland Thompson. Some
reaches others for information
of the negative press. Yet, we are
which affects them; E) Promote
better than those who are not sin­
professionalism and establish a
cere. We will continue to utilize
skill bank to facilitate the recruit­
wisdom, pull together forces and
ment of candidates; F) Develop
carry on with the message; refin­
mechanisms to eliminate prac­
ing the problems as we go; ad­
tices of racism, monitor affir­
ding supporters, and hopefully,
mative action programs, and
soon, some “ big backing.” Myself
make recommendations for im­
and others here and elsewhere
proving its effectiveness; G) Sup­
will handle the “ Diary” with kid
port other community activities
gloves knowing how important it
that
enhance the promotion of
is to support our striving Black
s
o
c
io
-e c o n o m ic , c iv ic , and
talented brothers and sisters. ON­
cultural programs and fellow­
LY THEN CAN WE AS BLACK
ships which will serve to bring
PEOPLE THINK ABOUT OWNING
employees together collectively.
AT&T!
T
Diary Of Black Men: How Do You Love A Black Woman?
DIARY OF BLACK MEN: HOW
DO YOU LOVE A BLACK WOMEN?
In response to the article writ­
ten by Garland Lee Thompson,
the Broadway Bound Reporter, for
the Portland Observer (a black
newspaper) Oct. 6, 1988, Subject:
Diary of Black Men: How Do You
Love A Black Woman? ...
Black playw right, Thomas
Meloncon’s controversial play
premiered in Portland, Ore., Sun­
day, Oct. 2, 1988, before an en­
thusiastic crowd in the Masonic
Temple, YES, at $18.50 a pop!
Close to 1,000 people attended
most of whom were Black, and
definitely fashionably dressed.
Mr. Thompson made mention of
the ticket price twice. However,
he obviously doesn’t understand
the difference between traveling
productions and local storefront
theatre where many of the actors
donate their services, and can opt
to take Tri-Met to their perform­
ances.
Maceba is a Black production
company employing cast mem­
bers who have several outstand­
ing credits i.e. movies, etc. and
charges a so-called high price for
its renowed work — isn’t it quite
ironic though when Black people
want to play pro-ball we get put
down for such things as charging
$18.50 a justified ticket price. I
guest though because we’re
Black we need to be reminded we
can only participate in non-profit
and charity ventures. In other
words, stay in our own league,
hold on to a poverty level con­
sciousness, and don't reach for
the “ Cats!" BULL...!
Ticket prices are much higher
for shows like Cats or even
Dreamgirls (with a student dis­
count I paid $32.50 to see Dream-
girls in Los Angeles) where audi­
ences are mesmerized by moving
sets; certainly not “ zip sets” as
Mr. Thompson referred to the
“ Diary" as having. However, the
majority of us were more in­
terested in the message than the
sets.
Mr. Thompson made other dis­
tasteful remarks regarding the
play; very one sided and negative.
He referred to “ The Diary of Black
Men,” as a “ bare-bone bus and
truck” operation and “ the pits” is
what he called the Masonic Tem­
ple located across from the Ar­
lene Schnitzer auditorium. Of
course, it is no way as glamour­
ous as the Portland State
A u d ito riu m , w here “ S im p ly
Heavenly” played directed by non
other than the Broadway Bounder
himself, Garland Lee Thompson.
Maceba Affairs has traveled the
country with the “ Diary for five
years. They have received objec­
tive reviews from critics in major
cities such as Atlanta, Houston,
Chicago, and Los Angeles. These
critics did touchbase on some of
the technical problems of the
play, lighting, audio and even
mentioned the ticket price which
has apparently been the standard
rate for the “ Diary” over the years.
Sylvia McDaniel
Some of the critics even mention­
ed the lack of sets. Yet, these
critics also had the courage to
give credit to where credit was
due. They recognized the spirit of
the “ Diary.”
The professional acting dis­
played by the "Diary” cast helped
us to acknowledge that there is a
vivid conflict between Black men
and women. Yet, according to Mr.
Thompson, by looking at Con­
stance Jones (the only female in
the play who has no lines — I
wonder why with a title like Diary
of Black Men) he could learn to
love a Black woman without the
shouts (referring to the minister in
the play) etc. etc. What does that
mean? Sounds like something
“ Slick” would say.
Fortunately, in spite of the
technical problems, the massive
crowds still flock to greet the
“ Diary” which is heading back to
Los Angeles next month for an
encore performance. In Portland
there was constant laughter, a let­
ting out of emotion and a stand­
ing ovation. The week after,
p o sitive conve rsa tions, and
discussions were heard through­
out the community and I received
hundreds and hundreds of
telephone calls. Most all of you
agreed that the bringing of a na­
tional Black play like the “ Diary”
was long overdue in Portland, and
that we need more productions
like Maceba Affairs presents to
dazzle us with their spirit. This is
why close to 1,000 people show­
ed up for the performance and
will continue to do so.
Mr. Thompson’s report, how­
ever, does prove the validity of the
“ Diary.” Its spirit will linger on
even though not everyone will ap­
preciate its meaning. Thomas
Meloncon wrote "It’s (the play)
going to do a lot of different
things to the audience. Some
people will be shocked and some
will be angry — others will be hap­
py.” The day before the show I
took cast members to various
“ see me” stops. One member,
Clarence Whitmore said to me
regarding the “ Diary,” “ The strug­
gle goes on.”
The “ Diary" is slowly substan­
tiating its viability as a suc­
cessful, traveling Black produc­
tion. Unlike many of your top
white Broadway shows (a few
Black), who have “ big time” back­
ing, Maceba Affairs and support­
ers strive as a group, performing
with less capital, what they
Neighborhood Resource Forum
N eighborhood A s s o c ia tio n
Board members and other in­
terested citizens are invited to
join fellow volunteers for a
Neighborhood Resource Forum
on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 6:30
-8:30 p.m. in the Portland Build­
ing's Meeting Room C, 1120 S.W.
5th. Neighborhood leaders and
representatives from the Office of
Neighborhood Associations will
present an overview of resources
and programs available to assist
neighborhood associations. A
resource forum will follow, featur­
ing information on citizen involve­
ment opportunities, neighbor­
hood office services, and commu­
nity programs for neighborhoods.
According to Sarah Newhall,
Director of ONA and a featured
speaker, “ there are many success
stories in our neighborhoods. We
hope this information will help
more neighborhood volunteers
make success stories of their
own.” This orientation is open to
new, returning, and potential vol­
unteers who are interested in
helping their neighborhood asso­
ciations work more effectively.
This event is sponsored by the
Office of Neighborhood Associa­
tions. Free parking is available in
the Portland Building. For infor­
mation contact: Nancy Biasi,
248-4519.
Pacific Power’s Project HELP
Program To Continue This Year
More than 400 Portland families
received fuel assistance last year
through Pacific Power’s Project
HELP program which will contin­
ue this year, Kathy Kerins,
Pacific’s Rose City Manager
reported Oct. 4.
The program was initiated in
1982 in response to the reces­
sion. “ When Pacific started this
program six years ago, the econ­
omy was down and some cus­
tomers needed help getting by,'
Kerins said.
Project HELP is funded entirely
by customer and shareholder
donations and is available to all
Pacific Power customers regard­
less of how they heat their
homes. The Salvation Army ad­
m in iste rs P a c ific 's Portland
program.
Each year Pacific shareholders
give up to $100,000 to Project
HELP. The rest of the money
comes from customer contribu­
tions, Kerins said.
To date, Pacific’s shareholders
and customers have given over
$1.2 million to the needy in five of
the six states it serves.
Last year over $34,000 was rais­
ed to help Pacific’s Portland
custom ers grants of alm ost
$30,000. Total donations from
Pacific’s Oregon-California region
edged close to $125,000.
This year’s fund-raising drive
will kick-off Nov. 10, with a Noon
media event at Pioneer Court­
house Square. Customer assist­
ance is scheduled to begin after
the first of the year.
Hey Look!
T he R oyal E quire C lub
is reorganized for the year of 1988-89 with the following
D O R IS C A F E
3240 N. Williams Ave.
Portland, Oregon
287-9249
Tues.-Thurs. Noon-11 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 1 p.m .-l p.m.
★ Best Cash Prices ★
DAD’S OIL SERVICE s° ^ '
Heating Oils
Spppdv —
Service
104 N.E. Russell St.
Portland, OR 97212
(503)282-51111
100 Gals.
150 Gals.
*102°°
officers:
President - Lemoine Price
Vice. Pres. Willie Morehouse
Financial Sec. Henry Williams
Recording Sec. Ruth Jackson
Treasurer - Berry Walker
Sgt. at Arms Burnett Austin
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Fred Dove
Johnnie M. Lewis
Ray Harper Silas Davis
For information Contact: Mr. Lamoine Price, 8312 N.
Hurst Ave., Portland, OR 97203, (503) 283-4005.